THIS AVALANCHE ADVISORY EXPIRED ON February 23, 2019 @ 9:03 pm
Avalanche Advisory published on February 22, 2019 @ 9:03 pm
Issued by Brian Newman - Gulmarg Avalanche Center

The combination of storm snow and high winds has added a very large load test to the alpine snowpack.  Certain areas may still hang in the balance.  Two scenarios exist.  The likely triggering of small to large slab avalanches by a single rider on North aspects.  The possible triggering of a very large avalanche on the same aspects at a deeper persistent yet durable layer.

3. Considerable

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Alpine - 3000 meters and above
Dangerous avalanche conditions. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making essential.

2. Moderate

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Transistional - Near 3000 meters
Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

1. Low

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Sub-Alpine - Below 3000 meters
Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.
    Dangerous avalanche conditions. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making essential.
Avalanche Problem 1: Wind Slab
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  • Aspect/Elevation ?
  • Likelihood ?
    Certain
    Very Likely
    Likely
    Possible
    Unlikely
  • Size ?
    Historic
    Very Large
    Large
    Small
Avalanche Problem 2: Persistent Slab
  • Type ?
  • Aspect/Elevation ?
  • Likelihood ?
    Certain
    Very Likely
    Likely
    Possible
    Unlikely
  • Size ?
    Historic
    Very Large
    Large
    Small

This avalanche problem is the cause of an extraordinary load introduced by high winds combined with heavy snowfall.  Although less likely, a balanced weakness may be triggered by an additional large load (like a poorly managed group) producing a very large and likely unsurviveable avalanche.  

advisory discussion

Expect some delay this morning in the opening of second phase due to snow removal.  A loaned snow groomer is expected to provide grooming facilites today in both phases.  Ski patrol will work to open both chairlift and second phase today.  

recent observations
Submit Observations

A very  large avalanche occured Thursday evening in the alpine region of the ski area at Gulmarg.  The ski area had been closed for two days during this period in observation of the special avalanche advisory issued by the Gulmarg Avalanche Center on Monday.  Any investigation conducted by forecaster Brian Newman will be posted here.  

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Snow Forecast

View detailed snow forecast for Gulmarg at:

snow-forecast.com

Disclaimer

This avalanche advisory is provided through a partnership between the Jammu and Kashmir State Department of  Tourism and the Gulmarg Avalanche Center. This advisory covers the Pir Pinjal range accessible from the Gulmarg Ski Area. Click here for a map of the forecast area.  This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur. This advisory expires 24 hours after the posted time unless otherwise noted. The information in this advisory is provided as public a service.  The user of this information accepts all risks and responsibility. ​